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Osteoporosis is one of the most common degenerative diseases. It is characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) with an increased risk for bone fractures.
This study, headed by Andreas Zimmer, and published in the November 2005 issue of Human Molecular Genetics, found a significant association of single polymorphisms (P=0.0014) and haplotypes (P=0.0001) encompassing the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (Cnr2) gene on human chromosome 1p36, but no convincing association for type 1 (Cnr1).
These results demonstrate a role for the peripherally expressed CB2 receptor in the etiology of osteoporosis and provide an interesting novel therapeutical target for this severe and common disease. Author Contact: Andreas Zimmer
Department of Psychiatry, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Strasse 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
Email: neuro@uni-bonn.de Abstract available online: CNR Paper. (C) Human Molecular Genetics. Posted by: Tressie Dalaya
Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza
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